This year, our students in Mahtomedi Area Preschool (MAP) have been busy enjoying the outdoors, rain or shine, with their new rain suits thanks to a No Child Left Inside grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources!
Students are doing more than just playing in their new rain suits; they’re reading and making art!
In the Fall of 2026, we are expanding our preschool programming by adding the Nature Explorers program, where children ages 3-5 will spend at least half their day learning outside.
Expanding outdoor experiences is a direct response to community feedback and part of our commitment to supporting students’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
“We know that everybody learns differently,” shared Early Learning Supervisor Angie Lundblad. “Some children need more movement and sensory input, and the outdoors offers that in a really natural way.” This work is also about giving students equal access to key learning opportunities. Not every child has access to green space at home, and school can help bridge that gap. “Early childhood students build their foundation through experiences,” Ms. Lundblad shared. “The more experiences we can provide, the more we’re supporting their learning and growth.” Click here to see sweet moments of our preschool students learning in their rain suits!